A Perfect Punta Cana Family Getaway with Kids and Grandkids

Grandparents are always looking for opportunities to spend more time with their grandchildren, especially if they live in another city, state or province. That’s why we’re seeing a lot more multigenerational travel where grandparents take the lead in organizing trips to interesting places and all three generations can have a wonderful time.

Family fun by the sea in Punta Cana, Dominion Republic

Punta Cana family getaway

In our case we planned a Punta Cana family getaway with our daughter, son-in-law and three granddaughters aged 7, 9 and 11.

The big draw was an excellent all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, that included one of the world’s best beaches and the Caribbean’s largest water park.

We had our own room in a quiet area of the Memories Splash Punta Cana Resort & Casino, and the rest of the family had adjoining rooms just one floor below. So we, as seniors, could be on our own when we wanted (we loved the quiet beach time as well as sharing the excitement of the water park) and then join everyone else for dinner and special activities.

Authors’ granddaughters with the Berenstain Bears, Memories’ mascots

The Dominican Republic is an outstanding destination for multigenerational travel. Non-stop flights from American and Canadian airports are plentiful (although the Punta Canada airport can be a bit chaotic). Temperatures are also consistent year-round with no extremes. As well, the Dominican Republic has dramatically improved its training of chefs and hospitality workers, making for a very pleasant stay. And while the infrastructure is not quite as professional as that in Mexico, prices tend to be more modest.

During resort visits to this destination in the past, we’ve taken excursions off the property but this time, with so many things to do at Memories and its sister property, Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino, there was no need. Our emphasis was on a good time for all seven of us.

As one of the girls told us, “More family means more fun!”

The Black Hole and Multi-Slide at Memories

What’s appealing to the over-50 luxury traveler?

A multigenerational Punta Cana family getaway offers the chance to share special moments with grandchildren – but with the parents around to take charge if necessary.

A resort like Memories Splash can handle restaurant reservations for a large group so the multigeneration experience can be seamless.

All-inclusive resorts remove the awkwardness of figuring out who will be digging into their pocket each time a child wants a snack.

Take note

A key recommendation for grandparents traveling with their children and grandchildren is to “go with the flow.” Grandchildren are the most important guests so be flexible and try new things with them (like monster water slides) that you’d be reluctant to do on your own. It’s invigorating!

John and Sandra Nowlan are award-winning travel writers and photographers based in the port city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. John is a retired public television producer and director (winner of an International Emmy) and Sandra is a food scientist (MSc., Cornell) and author of three cookbooks. Together they have traveled to and written about all seven continents. They share a passion for good food, fine wine and grand adventure. They have three adult children spread across the world and five grandchildren. Their website is "NowTravel.ca/index.html"